We stare at each other, listening to muffled laughter and drunken talk in the background. A soothing voice is murmuring to Abby, telling her to leave with them.

Thank God.

My gaze narrows on Reese.

She was right. Abby does crave attention, and if she knew I was in here with Reese, she woulda been more stubborn than me.

“You know Abby almost better than I do.”

She shrugs and glances away. “You learn a lot when you live with someone.”

It makes me wonder exactly what her experience was, living with Abby. Did Abby ever even mention her roommate? I have a vague recollection of her complaining about living with a weirdo, how it sucked to bunk with a troll, but she would probably get the girl to move out.

And now I have to wonder, just how horrible was Abby to Reese?

I’m about to ask, but she speaks first.

“You’ll find someone else. Someone better.”

I chuckle without mirth. She’s reassuring me when she’s the one who’s been treated badly. By me and by Abby. “I thank you for the compliment, but I can’t imagine it. I wouldn’t know what to do. I’ve never had any other girlfriends. It’s hard to imagine being with someone else.”

“I can’t imagine it either.”

I tilt my head. “No long-term boyfriends?”

Her laugh is quick and shocked. “No.”

Wait. I laser in on her eyes. “Does that mean . . . I mean, have you ever— No, never mind, it’s none of my business.”

She pulls the pillow into her lap and then fidgets with the edge of the pillowcase fabric. “You’ve seen me. I can barely talk to people. What makes you think I could reach the point of . . . making out with someone or whatever?”

I struggle to hide my shock, schooling my features to remain impassive. Make out? I was thinking she’s a virgin, not that she’s literally never been kissed. I mean, even middle schoolers play spin the bottle. But . . . nothing? I don’t know how to respond, and I definitely don’t want to ask her to clarify. As a matter of fact, the knowledge she’s so untouched makes her even more attractive. Undeniable heat fills my stomach.

What does that say about me? I’m a Neanderthal. This isn’t the Victorian era. Humanity has progressed somewhat since the cave-man days. I think. No doubt I’ve become so used to Abby’s poor treatment that Reese’s careful approach makes her even more tempting. The whole thing is so confusing, I’m completely discombobulated and it’s the only excuse for what I say next.

“You’re not unattractive.”

She laughs. “Wow. Thanks.”

“That’s not what . . . not what I meant. I think you’re very pretty. When you let people see you. It’s just, I don’t know.” I’m being a dick. Again. “It’s like you prefer to be invisible.”

Her brows lift. “How do you know?”

“The bushes are your favorite part of this house. I’m going to start calling you bush lady.”